Gama Bomb formed in 2002 and soon built up a l… Read Full Bio ↴Beginnings: 2002-2005
Gama Bomb formed in 2002 and soon built up a loyal following in their native Newry, Northern Ireland and elsewhere in the UK, which they consolidated with a rigorous touring schedule and frequent forays into self-released recording. The band first gained attention with their demo The Survival Option in the same year. Relentlessly touring was paired with 2003's The Fatal Mission single. At this time frontman Philly Byrne often appeared on stage dressed as a chef, a priest, a pirate and an unhinged scientist in an ever more outrageous live stage show, which frequently included a Thrash Metal version of 80's TV show Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' theme tune.
Survival of the Fastest: 2005-2007
Gama Bomb released their full-length debut Survival of the Fastest (Produced by Alwyn Walker) through European music label Witches Brew in early 2006. The album, which had originally been independently released in a limited edition format in late 2005, included many of the bands then live staples of which many, aside from those present on previous EP releases, had never been commercially available. The 2006 version of the album features the bonus tracks "M.A.D." and "The Survival Option" from their 2004 Fatal Mission single.
Zombi Brew EP
In May 2007, Gama Bomb released their first EP; Zombi Brew. The EP featured new tracks "Zombi Brew" and "Frightmare On Hell St" together with a cover of punk band The Dangerfields' song, "Maniac". The EP was released exclusively on 7" vinyl and limited to 200 copies in conjunction with Problem? Records.
Earache and Citizen Brain: 2007-2009
In September 2007, Gama Bomb announced that they signed a recording contract with Earache Records. The band lent the song "Zombi Brew" to the "Thrashing Like A Maniac" compilation released by Earache
Records, alongside other new Thrash artists such as Evile, Municipal Waste, Short Sharp Shock and Send More Paramedics.
In April 2008 Earache confirmed the release of Gama Bomb's Earache debut Citizen Brain for early June 2008. [2] The album was released in July 2008 to overwhelmingly positive reviews. The band have toured Europe extensively to support the album.
Since the release of Citizen Brain, the band have been vocal in their support of music downloading, and led a campaign to 'Stamp Out Inferior Metal' on their 2008 Thrashing Like A Maniac Tour, asking fans to bring along CD's they regret buying and destroy them at shows. In January 2009 they were voted best newcomer in a Terrorizer magazine readers' poll, and toured Europe with Exodus and Overkill in early 2009.
Tales From The Grave In Space: 2009
Gama Bomb announced via their Myspace blog in August 2009 that they would return to the studio in September to record a new album for November 2009. The album is to be produced by Scott Atkins, who produced the band's Citizen Brain album. The album was released for free digitally on November 5th on the band's page on Earache's website. It will also be available for free with the December issue of Metal Hammer magazine.
Musical Influences
Stylistically rooted in 1980s Thrash metal the band have stated influences include acts such as Nuclear Assault, Kreator, Agent Steel, Sodom, old Slayer, and early Megadeth.
Themes And Lyrics
Gama Bomb's lyrics often refer to the horror, action and sci-fi movies, cartoons and computer games of the 1980s, as well as paying tribute to many classic heavy metal themes. They also write topical songs on social issues like racism and global warming. The band are known for injecting their own sense of humour into their lyrics, with bizarre song concepts which lampoon classic thrash metal topics. Recurrent themes to be found in Gama Bomb songs are cannibalism, war, zombies, human sacrifice, ghosts and murder.
Newry, Northern Ireland
* Philly Byrne: Vocals
* Joe McGuigan: Bass
* Luke Graham: Guitar
* Domo Dixon: Lead Guitar
* Paul Caffrey: Drums
Albums
* Survival of the Fastest (2006)
* Citizen Brain (2008)
* Tales From The Grave In Space (2009)
* Untouchable Glory (2015)
Singles & EP's
* The Survival Option (2002)
* The Fatal Mission (2004)
* Zombi Brew (2007)
* Half Cut (2010)
Wrecking Ball
Gama Bomb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The demon drink will see you right, scuttered to a man
Not for you the affluence that lies beyond the velvet rope
The chateau in the gutter's your only hope
You had your pints and pissed your kacks
They pulled you by the ear, you couldn't stand your ID off by years
Drinking- ready, willing and able
Here's something for you all
Don't fear your beer, just get involved
If you're proud to be inebriate
It's coming straight into your face
Like a wrecking ball
Now the night is young, you're highly strung, you're drinking wine and schnapps
The yuppie life is the only life, you think it's such a laugh
Your nouveau riche and eating quiche, you're cashing in and cooking books
But too much coke is ruining your looks
You rake it in and live in sin
You're playing futures in your prime
You're pissing up on borrowed time
You want the finest cakes, the finest wines,
You want here and now
Just like the bull loosed from the gate
Who wants to have sex with those cows
You'll take the bastard axe to anybody in your way
No matter what the bar tab is you'll gladly pay
Throw yourself into the road escaping this hideousness
Hanging ever since you had your fiftieth
In the song "Wrecking Ball" by Gama Bomb, the lyrics tell the story of two different lifestyles that are ultimately destructive. The first verse describes a person who has no money, plan, or sense but finds solace in drinking excessively. The song implies that drinking is the only thing that brings joy to these individuals' impoverished lives. The chorus is a rallying cry for anyone who enjoys drinking, regardless of social status. It becomes a reminder that the drink is the great equalizer, and it can bring everyone together.
The second verse talks about yuppies, individuals who've made it in life and enjoy the finer things. However, their excesses are in cocaine and fine wines, which ultimately erode their looks and livelihood. The lyrics highlight that these people are on borrowed time, and their excesses will eventually catch up to them. The chorus then comes in, warning that excessive drinking and indulging in life pleasures is like a wrecking ball that can ruin lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Another Friday night in trousers tight, no money sense or plan
Another weekend with no financial planning, dressed up for a night out
The demon drink will see you right, scuttered to a man
You plan to drink until you can't stand, and expect alcohol to solve your problems
Not for you the affluence that lies beyond the velvet rope
You don't belong to the privileged class with VIP access
The chateau in the gutter's your only hope
You're confined to partying in shady alleys and sketchy bars
You had your pints and pissed your kacks
You're so drunk that you can't control your bladder and pee in your pants
They pulled you by the ear, you couldn't stand your ID off by years
You're so drunk that you can't even stand, and people are guessing your age
Drinking- ready, willing and able
You're always prepared to drink and can't resist it
Sinking- See you under the table
You're going to drink so much that you'll pass out
Here's something for you all
Listen closely because this is something important
Don't fear your beer, just get involved
Don't be scared to drink, just embrace it
If you're proud to be inebriate
If you're proud of being drunk
It's coming straight into your face
You're about to get drunk and it will hit you hard
Like a wrecking ball
You're going to get drunk and it will hit you hard like a wrecking ball
Now the night is young, you're highly strung, you're drinking wine and schnapps
The night just began, you're tense and anxious, and drinking strong alcoholic beverages
The yuppie life is the only life, you think it's such a laugh
You think that only the wealthy and prosperous lifestyle is worth having a good time
Your nouveau riche and eating quiche, you're cashing in and cooking books
You're pretending to be rich and successful, faking numbers and cooking the books
But too much coke is ruining your looks
Your drug addiction is affecting your appearance and health
You rake it in and live in sin
You're making money through immoral or illegal ways and enjoying a sinful life
You're playing futures in your prime
You're gambling with your future and wasting your best years
You're pissing up on borrowed time
You're wasting your life and time while you still can
You want the finest cakes, the finest wines,
You desire expensive and luxurious items
You want here and now
You want everything right now, without delay
Just like the bull loosed from the gate
You're charging forward uncontrollably like a bull
Who wants to have sex with those cows
You're willing to have corrupt and unethical dealings with anyone for personal gain
You'll take the bastard axe to anybody in your way
You'll stop at nothing to get what you want and hurt anyone who stands in your way
No matter what the bar tab is you'll gladly pay
You'll spend any amount of money to get what you want, even if it means maxing out your credit cards
Throw yourself into the road escaping this hideousness
You want to escape your miserable and disgraceful life so badly that you'd rather jump on a busy road
Hanging ever since you had your fiftieth
You've been feeling depressed and hopeless since your 50th birthday
Contributed by Riley R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.